Hotel Joan Miro Museum

Formerly the Hotel Dali, this once drab and underwhelming '70s-era property underwent a renovation in 2015 to open the following year under the name of the next most famous Catalan surrealism painter -- Joan Miro. The first hotel dedicated to Miro, it opened in association with the nearby Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation museum space nearby. The painter's grandson has also played a large part in the project by loaning 28 lithographs of the master's work to be displayed throughout the hotel. Interiors are also dotted with mural reproductions of his work, providing welcome splashes of color in the hotel's otherwise relatively sober and restrained decor. The atmosphere is similar, leaning toward quiet and cultured. A single elevator ferries guests to one of five floors, each carpeted with a Miro detail and the hotel's logo. The hotel overlooks its spacious pool terrace, particularly large for an urban hotel, though there's little in the way of gardens. Weekending couples with an interest in art make up the bulk of clientele, though in the summer they're joined by some families with kids, and off season it's popular with business guests.

The hotel is located at the top of a no-through road in a largely residential area of the district of Cala Mayor, just west of the Majorcan capital. Although just a five-minute walk from the Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation museum, the immediate surroundings comprise mostly shabby apartment blocks and there's little in the way of dining or nightlife. The twin beaches of Cala Mayor are within walking distance (at 10 to 15 minutes) though the walk back is mostly uphill. The location also means easy access to medieval Bellver Castle, at a five-minute drive to the entrance. Regular buses run from the end of the road and drop off opposite Palma Cathedral and the Old Town, which takes around 15 minutes. Palma de Mallorca Airport is around 20 minutes by cab. There's no on-site parking.

The hotel has 97 rooms (including five Superior), all of which are decorated in smart, modern styling with wood-veneer flooring, contemporary white wood furniture, neutral-tone fabrics, and featuring one of five Miro paintings reproduced above the bed; all also carry a quote from Miro on a wall describing the island of Majorca (translated into Castilian, English, and German). Almost all rooms have furnished balconies, largely either overlooking the pool or shabby blocks to the rear; while there are no views from the first two levels, the five top-floor Superior Rooms have extra spacious terraces with sun loungers and views of the sea (at least between apartment blocks). Superior rooms are also slightly larger.  Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars (including cava), and free electronic safes; in-room Wi-Fi is also free of charge and decent enough for most purposes. Bathrooms have attractive gray-scale mosaic tiling or slate-gray finish; half feature shower/tub combos (with clingy shower curtains) and the other half have walk-in showers, and all come with wall-mounted hairdryers and generic toiletries. Guest can also book the Miro Room, which includes a welcome cocktail and free entry to the museum.

The hotel's outdoor swimming pool is certainly an impressive size, and also has a kids' section and plenty of loungers. Guests can also order drinks and snacks direct to their sunbeds from nearby buttons that summon waiters. There's also a small, modern fitness room just off the pool area. A free shuttle service to the museum, the local beach, and into Palma is also provided during high season; cyclists will also find a secure on-site bike garage with tool station. Served in the polished dining room each morning is an extensive buffet breakfast with freshly made bread, pastries, cereals, and local produce, plus a range of hot items including bacon, eggs, and beans. It's not always included in the rate with room-only, bed-and-breakfast, and half-board (for buffet dinner) plans all available. A reasonably priced a la carte menu is available throughout the day, which can also be taken on the alfresco patio, or around the pool terrace. A swish bar is open until late, serving a decent range of wine, premium spirits, and cocktails. Room service is available during bar hours.